Soil quality
Soil quality is an important factor when choosing a location for a community garden, especially if you are planning to grow edible crops such as fruit and vegetables.
Contaminants in the soil, for example lead or hydrocarbons, can result from past industrial use of the land as well as from sources of pollution such as busy roads.
Contamination levels that are safe for other land uses, such as public parks, might not be suitable for gardening or growing food. The responsibility for ensuring that users of the site are safe and any food grown is fit for human consumption, lies with the licensee.
It is important that when looking to apply to the Right to Grow scheme you consider soil quality and the potential for contamination. A cautious approach should always be taken.
It is important that you find out the history of the site and get specialist advice if contamination is suspected. Our Environmental Regulation team may be able to provide information on the site history and the potential for contamination.
In some cases, it may be necessary to test the soil for contaminants to confirm it is safe and suitable to use as a garden or for growing produce. These professional surveys are typically carried out by specialist consultants or soil testing labs, who can assess soil quality and advise on any mitigation needed.
If contamination is suspected or the soil quality is poor, clean certified soil or compost can be used to instead fill -
- raised beds
- grow bags
- planters
We advise to follow good hygiene practices, such as wearing gloves and washing hands, as well as washing and peeling produce, to reduce the risk of exposure to potential contaminants in the soil.
For further information on growing on contaminated land you can visit the Environmental Protection UK website.